Serie A 2025-2026: Verona-Pisa, the likely lineups
At the Bentegodi staged a very heavy challenge in terms of salvation that opens the 24th day of Serie A. Hellas Verona and Pisa face each other, on Feb. 6, paired at the bottom of the standings, both coming off turbulent weeks and a recent change in the bench. Different paths, same goal: to score points to stay in the race for safety.
Verona chose the path of change after the heavy knockout in Cagliari, relieving Paolo Zanetti of his duties and entrusting the team to Paolo Sammarco, promoted from Primavera as an interim solution. Against Pisa, the coach is gambling much of his future, with the management considering possible alternatives in case of another misstep. The January market brought several grafts, in line with ds Sogliano’s strategy, but also recorded an important disposal: Giovane moved to Napoli.
On a tactical level, the Gialloblù should confirm the 3-5-2, despite a crowded infirmary: unavailable Bella-Kotchap, Belghali, Gagliardini, Suslov and Valentini, in addition to the disqualified Sarr. In goal, there is an open Montipò-Perilli ballot, with the former Pisa man challenging the incumbent. In defense Slotsager and Edmundsson vie for a shirt, while in midfield Lovric may undermine Serdar. Up front Orban remains a staple, with young Scot Bowie a possible partner. Sammarco presented the match this way: “It was a great thrill to sit on a Serie A bench, but now only the field counts. My goal is Pisa, I feel the confidence of the president and I only think about this match.”
Pisa has also turned over a new leaf, saying goodbye to Gilardino and relying on Oscar Hiljemark. A few days of work for the Swedish coach, but he has already shown the way: balance, verticality and quick transitions. A necessary change of pace, given the standings. The Nerazzurri should dispose with a 3-4-2-1, a module close to the coach’s reference 3-4-3. In defense Caracciolo is ready to grit his teeth after physical problems, while for the other two jerseys the ballot between Calabresi, Canestrelli, Coppola and Bozhinov is open. In the middle of the field Loyola’s candidacy grows alongside Aebischer. On the outsides Iling-Junior is available, but Leris and Touré remain favorites. In attack Tramoni and Moreo will act behind Durosinmi, looking for his first start.
The likely lineups
Verona (3-5-2): Montipò; Slotsager, Nelsson, Edmundsson; Bradaric, Lovric, Al-Musrati, Bernede, Frese; Orban, Bowie. All. Sammarco
Pisa (3-4-2-1): Scuffet; Calabresi, Caracciolo, Bozhinov; Touré, Aebischer, Loyola, Leris; Moreo, Tramoni; Durosinmi. All. Hiljemark
